Finished MDF

[Jon Boda]

I'm new to using Kreg Jigs, but years ago (1990s) I bought and used MDF board that was already finished on both sides. I forgot where I bought it, but it came in different colors and finishes. When I asked about the product at Lowe's recently, they looked at me like I was from another planet. One Lowe's assistant said he's been in the construction industry for over 30 years and has never heard of it. I know I used this product and would like to use it again for Kreg projects! Does anyone know if they still make and sell this finished MDF board? Thanks in advance!

[Rita B.]

Menards, if you have one close by.  They sell many finish varieties, widths and lengths.  I do not think they carry it in 4x8 sheets however.  And if they do, they do not offer the service of cutting it down for you.  Not sure about Home Depot, but you might find it in or around the shelving material.  Hope this helps.

[Jon Boda]

Thanks Rita! No Menards in PA, and Home Depot doesn't have any either. I would order from Menard's online, but shipping would costs will prohibit it! Thanks again!

[Jay Boutwell]

Jon, Your best bet is to contact some of the lumber outlet suppliers in your area that cater to the cabinet and furniture industry.  Home depot and Lowes sell (MDF which is "medium density fiberboard")  and they only know it as "melamine"  If you are lucky they may have it but if they do it only comes in 3/4 inch white.  Lumber specialty dealers stock a variety of it in different thicknesses and colors. From my experience with most of the  employees in Home Depot and Lowes, they are not familiar with their own products let alone something that in uncommon to them.

[Jon Boda]

Thanks Jay!! I will try to find a lumber outlet supplier around here!! Good tip!! 

[R. E. Woods]

Try searching for veneered and/or colored mdf

http://www.winwood-products.com/eng/timber-products/coloured-mdf.htm

[Don Foley]

I seem to remember the panels being referred to as melamine, but I don't think the center was mdf, it was particle board.

[Rita B.]

Don,   I noticed too that the items that Menards carried was also particle board.  

Sorry jon,   I thought Menards was far more reaching here in the Midwest.   IMO, Menards strives for the DIY'er where as Lowes targets commercial contractors. 

[Gary roofner]

I agree with Jay you are referring to Melamine. In fact our home depot sells with pre drilled shelf pin holes accross the width of the panels. They are not mdf but particle board. The other problem with them is they are very heavy.

[Rita B.]

Is laminated shelving and melamine shelving one in the same?   No wonder the guys at the big box stores get confused :)

[Jay Boutwell]

Hi Rita and Don,  I happened to see this post and to clear up things Melamine is MDF.  The difference between particle board and MDF Is the density of the products. Melamine is used in building of cabinet and other furniture type products where particle board is he least dense of the two and common in use as an underlayment in a building such as for flooring.   MDF is also a plain sheet of the same as you find in Melamine however is used in such things where a very dense sheet is need such as in the production of counter tops that are covered with laminates.  You will also find MDF is such things as furniture where it is out of sight making it a cheaper product that if made of wood.   If a melamine sheet had a particle board core it would not last in construction of cabinets and or furniture work.  There is also at least two grades of melamine of which one is the kind that has a melamine surface applied and is almost like it was painted on.  It will chip more that the better type and does not hold screws like the industrial type.  The second is the industrial grade of which I use in building cabinets and furniture.  It is desirable in construction where things like closet packs are built and as you see in cabinets.  It is also very desirable in industrial uses as well as medical and where cleanness is a necessity. 

I will also add that some of the melamine sheets that you see at places like home depot and Lowes are inferior to what you can get at a lumber yard that caters to industry and cabinet shops where you can get superior melamine that is of the industrial grade.

Everyone says that they have problems with cutting melamine and I cut it without anything other that a good sharp 40 tooth combination blade which gives me chip and tear out free cuts.  Of course the blades I use are forrest brand and cost better than $100. each.   I use kreg screws and they all hold tight without strip out and I use a special glue called "Roo" which is made for plastic and wood.  I could not do this if melamine had a particle board core. 

Something else to be aware of no commercial contractor will buy framing lumber from Lowes or Home depot where I live as it has to be certified due to the strength and span requirements and their lumber is not certified in the north west.  Don't know about your areas.

[Jon Boda]

ALL,

WOW!!! I had no idea my question would bring back so many answers and information!! I will have to do some searching to find lumber yards in this area to find what I need. I wish I could buy all of you a beer at my "Man Cave" Bar!! Thank you everyone for the wealth of information!!! 

Rita,

I'm originally from Wisconsin and Menards is one of my favorites. I wish they were here in Pennsylvania!! They are a wonderful stores and offer far more than Lowes!!

[Jay Boutwell]

Rita, Don, Jon, and Gary.  Here is a couple photos of melamine and particle board.  The one on the right is melamine and the other is particle board that is covered with a thin plastic coating.  This is the kind you will find in cheap "put together, knock down" furniture that is a common import.  See the difference in the structure and these were both just cut using the same saw.